Piyush Pandey Passes Away: Renowned “Ad guru” Piyush Pandey has passed away in Mumbai at the age of 70. Widely recognized as a trailblazer in India’s advertising world, he has left a lasting mark with campaigns that remain unforgettable.
From Cadbury’s Kuch Khaas Hai and Asian Paints’ Har Khushi Mein Rang Laye to Vodafone’s legendary pug commercials, Pandey’s creative vision became a part of Indian popular culture. Pandey created many memorable advertisements, such as “Abki Baar Modi Sarkar” and “Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola,” which shaped the world of Indian advertising.
Pandey had been suffering from an infection. His last rites will be performed at 11 am at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
Piyush Pandey Passes Away: Advertising Icon of India
Pandey had been working in the advertising industry for nearly four decades. He was the Chief Creative Officer Worldwide and Executive Chairman India of Ogilvy.
Pandey joined Ogilvy in 1982, and wrote his first advertisement for Sunlight Detergent. After six years, he got into the company’s creative department and went on to create notable advertisements for Fevicol, Cadbury, Asian Paints, Luna Moped, Fortune Oil, and several other brands.
Pandey has won several awards, including the Padma Shri, which he was conferred with in 2016.
Piyush Pandey Passes Away: His Acting Career Debut
Pandey explored acting, appearing in the 2013 John Abraham film Madras Cafe as well as in the Magic Pencil Project videos, a promotional campaign by ICICI Bank. He also contributed as the lyricist for Mile Sur Mera Tumhara, a song that celebrated national integration and India’s diversity. In addition, Pandey co-wrote the screenplay for the movie Bhopal Express.
People from the worlds of business, advertising, and politics pays tribute
In a post on X, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “A titan and legend of Indian advertising, he transformed communication by bringing everyday idioms, earthy humor, and genuine warmth into it.”
Saddened to hear of the passing of Shri Piyush Pandey.
A titan and legend of Indian advertising, he transformed communication by bringing everyday idioms, earthy humor, and genuine warmth into it.
Have had opportunities to interact with him on various occasions.
Heartfelt… pic.twitter.com/tytshG1aHK
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) October 24, 2025
Business Tycoon Gautam Adani also posted on social media on Piyush Pandey’s demise.
Piyush Pandey was far more than just an advertising legend. He was the voice that made India believe in its own story. He gave Indian advertising its self-confidence, its soul, its “swadeshi” swagger. And he was a very good friend! Like a master batsman, he played every stroke… pic.twitter.com/HhyaEBzZdL
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 24, 2025
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